What this change means
Water below and Heaven above go opposite ways when the second, third and fifth lines change. Two judgments balance the reading. The Traveler asks for a light, flexible attitude in a time of change, and for grace in new connections. The resulting hexagram, 6 Conflict, describes a dispute that action can't solve. Cleverness serves better than force; accepting that nothing can be settled right now, letting events run their course, and asking someone wise for advice can get you out of it. For a traveler, a quarrel on foreign ground is costly. So don't dig in. Stay flexible, avoid escalating, and look for counsel from someone who knows the terrain. Think each step through from the start, and let the matter cool before acting. Patience protects you more than winning would.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- The judgment of 56 The Traveler
It's a time of small achievements. Keep a light, flexible attitude. You may be facing a period of change, new places or situations that ask you to adapt while they settle: let go of attachments and be gracious as you make new connections and your situation takes hold.
Small success. For the traveler, constancy brings good fortune.
- The judgment of 6 Conflict
A conflict is arising that can't be solved by action; cleverness works better than force. Recognizing that you can't resolve anything right now, letting events take their course, and seeking the advice of someone wise in this area will help you get out of the conflict.
There is sincere trust, but it is blocked. Caution: stopping halfway brings good fortune; going all the way to the end, misfortune. It is favorable to see the great person. It is not favorable to cross the great river.
- Line 2 of 56 The Traveler
You carry with you the resources you need to be secure wherever you are and whatever comes up. You'll draw help from simple, capable people.
The traveler reaches the inn, carries their goods close, and gains a young servant who is loyal.
- Line 3 of 56 The Traveler
If you lose your kindness now and turn irritable and aggressive, you'll bring on trouble.
The traveler burns down the inn and loses the young servant. Constancy is in danger.
- Line 5 of 56 The Traveler
If you can enjoy this passing situation and make the most of it, you'll achieve things.
Shoots a pheasant; one arrow is lost. In the end, renown and a mandate.
The trigrams
The way back
6 Conflict → 56 The Travelerlines 2, 3, and 5
Other transformations of The Traveler
- 38Oppositeslines 1, 2, and 3
- 26Great Achievementslines 1, 2, and 4
- 27Nourishmentlines 1, 3, and 4
- 4Immaturitylines 2, 3, and 4
- 1Activitylines 1, 2, and 5
- 25Innocencelines 1, 3, and 5
- 37The Tribelines 1, 4, and 5
- 57Gentlenesslines 2, 4, and 5
- 20Observinglines 3, 4, and 5
- 34Great Manifestationlines 1, 2, and 6
- 51Shocklines 1, 3, and 6
- 40Clearing Obstacleslines 2, 3, and 6
- 36Darknesslines 1, 4, and 6
- 46Going Uplines 2, 4, and 6
- 2Passivitylines 3, 4, and 6
- 49Renewallines 1, 5, and 6
- 28Excesseslines 2, 5, and 6
- 45Meetinglines 3, 5, and 6
- 39Held Backlines 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.